Transverse colon

Part of the large intestine

The transverse colon is the longest and most movable part of the large intestine. It crosses the abdomen from the right colic flexure to the left colic flexure.

Anatomy

The transverse colon is a continuation of the ascending colon and extends from the right colic flexure, also known as the hepatic flexure, to the left colic flexure, or splenic flexure. It is suspended by the transverse mesocolon, which allows it to be quite mobile. The transverse colon is located anterior to the small intestine and is bordered superiorly by the stomach and liver.

Blood Supply

The blood supply to the transverse colon is primarily from the middle colic artery, a branch of the superior mesenteric artery. The inferior mesenteric artery also contributes via the left colic artery.

Innervation

The transverse colon receives its nerve supply from the autonomic nervous system. The vagus nerve provides parasympathetic innervation, while sympathetic innervation is supplied by the superior mesenteric plexus.

Function

The primary function of the transverse colon is to absorb water and salts from the material that has not been digested as food, and to store waste products until they are ready to be eliminated from the body. It plays a crucial role in the process of digestion and the formation of feces.

Clinical Significance

The transverse colon can be involved in various medical conditions, such as colitis, colon cancer, and volvulus. It is also a common site for the accumulation of gas and can be affected by irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

Related pages

• Large intestine
• Digestive system
• Colon (anatomy)

Gallery

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  Diagram of the transverse colon

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  Anatomical illustration of the large intestine

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  Schematic of the large intestine

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  Diameters of the large intestine

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  Illustration of the intestines

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  Anatomy of the digestive system

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  The colon and its parts

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  Diagram of the digestive system

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  Image of the transverse colon

References

• Moore, K. L., Dalley, A. F., & Agur, A. M. R. (2013). Clinically Oriented Anatomy. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
• Standring, S. (2015). Gray's Anatomy: The Anatomical Basis of Clinical Practice. Elsevier Health Sciences.

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  Transverse colon

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  Gray's Anatomy illustration of the transverse colon

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  Diagram of the large intestine

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  Diameters of the large intestine

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  Illustration of the intestine

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  Gray's Anatomy illustration of the digestive system

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  Gray's Anatomy illustration of the colon

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  Digestive system diagram

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  Transverse colon